CARE home residents were ‘thrilled’ to be greeted by a two-foot-tall mini horse which came to provide some animal therapy.

Fairlawn care home on St Mary’s Road, Ferndown, welcomed Kelloggs from Linking Hearts Therapy Horses which visited the residents in their individual bedrooms and communal lounges across all floors of the home.

Megan Gledhill, who runs Linking Hearts Therapy Horses with her mum, Sharon, brought Kelloggs the mini horse in to visit the residents as part of the home’s activities programme.

Betty, who lives at Fairlawn, said: “I love horses as I’ve previously ridden a friend’s horse. Kelloggs is a real sweetheart. He was lovely and so obedient.”

The Linking Hearts Therapy Horses have visited many of Care South’s care homes based across Dorset.

Equine therapy is believed to bring a host of benefits including physical and mental health, lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety, promoting conversation and boosting social connections.

Tina Vincent, home manager at Fairlawn care home, said: “It’s incredible to see that animals can bring back so many memories to our residents of their own pets and visits to farms with their families.

“There’s something universal about the love that animals give which brings a smile to the residents’ faces.”